Chevrolet Equinox

First generation (2005–2009)

The Equinox and related Pontiac Torrent are mid-size crossovers that were introduced in 2004 for the 2005 model year (Equinox) and 2005 for the 2006 model year (Torrent), respectively. The Equinox is the first crossover SUV from Chevrolet. The Torrent was introduced at the 2005 Los Angeles Auto Show and went on sale in late summer 2005. The Torrent was the successor to the discontinued Pontiac Aztek.

Riding on the GM Theta platform, the unibody is mechanically similar to the Saturn Vue and the Suzuki XL7. However, the Equinox and the Torrent are larger than the Vue, riding on a 112.5 in (2,858 mm) wheelbase, 5.9 in (150 mm) longer than the Vue. Front-wheel drive is standard, with optional all-wheel drive. They are not designed for serious off-roading like the truck-based Chevrolet Tahoe and Chevrolet TrailBlazer.

For the 2006 model year, GM updated the Equinox for the first time, as GM badges were added on the front doors.

The first generation Equinox and Torrent were produced exclusively at the CAMI Automotive GM/Suzuki joint venture plant in Ingersoll, Ontario, Canada. The 3.4 L LNJ V6 engine is made in China (by Shanghai GM), while the Aisin AF33 transmission is made in Japan. Starting with the 2008 model year, the Equinox Sport and Pontiac GXP were available with a 3.6 L V6 engine that was made in the United States. Production ended in May 2009.

The Chevrolet Equinox was not sold in Mexico during the 2009 model year.

Torrent

While the Torrent shares its basic body structure and mechanicals with the Equinox, it does have a different front and rear styling. The suspension (FE2) and electronic power steering were both modified to feel firmer and sportier.

The Torrent was discontinued after the 2009 model year as part of the discontinuation of the Pontiac brand, with the last one rolling off the assembly line on September 2, 2009. A Buick Theta crossover SUV was to be made, effectively taking place of the Pontiac Torrent. Instead, GM replaced the Torrent with the GMC Terrain, which shares the Theta platform with the second generation Equinox.

Trim Levels

The first-generation 2005-2009 Chevrolet Equinox offered many different trim levels:

LS : The LS was the most basic trim level of the Chevrolet Equinox between 2005 and 2009. It offered the following standard equipment: Sixteen-inch black-painted steel wheels with plastic wheel covers, 3.4L V6 engine, automatic transmission, keyless entry, power windows and door locks, manually-adjustable dual front bucket seats, split-folding rear bench seat, A/M-F/M stereo with single-disc CD player (later models also featured an auxiliary audio input jack for portable media devices), six-speaker audio system, cloth seating surfaces, black front and rear bumpers, black side mirrors and door handles, and chrome front grille.

1LT: The 1LT was the "up-level" Chevrolet Equinox trim level between 2005 and 2009. It added the following equipment to the base LS trim level: Sixteen-inch alloy wheels, premium cloth seating surfaces, color-keyed front and rear bumpers, color-keyed heated side mirrors and door handles, and a leather-wrapped multi function steering wheel.

2LT: The 2LT was the "top-of-the-line" Chevrolet Equinox trim level between 2005 and 2007. It added the following equipment to the "up-level" 1LT trim level, and was replaced by the LTZ in 2008: Seventeen-inch alloy wheels, power dual front bucket seats, heated dual front seats, leather-trimmed seating surfaces, A/M-F/M stereo with single-disc CD/MP3 player and auxiliary audio input jack for portable media devices, seven-speaker premium Pioneer audio system with rear-mounted subwoofer, front fog lamps, power sunroof, and OnStar.

LTZ: The LTZ, introduced in 2008, was the "top-of-the-line" Chevrolet Equinox trim level between 2008 and 2009, replacing the 2LT. It added the following equipment to the "up-level" 1LT: Seventeen-inch chrome-clad alloy wheels, chrome side mirrors, power dual front bucket seats, heated dual front seats, leather-trimmed seating surfaces, A/M-F/M stereo with single-disc CD/MP3 player and auxiliary audio input jack for portable media devices, XM Satellite Radio, seven-speaker premium Pioneer audio system with rear-mounted subwoofer, front fog lamps, remote vehicle starter system, security system, power sunroof, and OnStar.

Sport: The Sport was the "sporty" trim level of the Chevrolet Equinox between 2008 and 2009, adding the following equipment to the "up-level" 1LT: chrome-clad alloy wheels, power front dual bucket seats, A/M-F/M stereo with single-disc CD/MP3 player and auxiliary audio input jack for portable media devices, OnStar, seven-speaker premium Pioneer audio system with rear-mounted subwoofer, power sunroof, security system, and remote vehicle starter system.

Sport Trims

For the 2008 and 2009 model years, GM offered sportier versions of the Equinox and Torrent; called Sport and GXP, respectively. Featuring the new 3.6 LY7 DOHC V6 engine paired with a new 6-speed automatic transmission (with Manual Tap Up/Down shifting capability). This larger and more powerful (264 hp (197 kW) or 40% increase) engine allowed acceleration from 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) in under seven seconds.

These models also received a 1 in (25 mm) lowered ride height with a performance-tuned suspension and unique front and rear body kits. The lower stance is accented by the 18 inch 5-spoke chrome wheels and the absence of the roof rack, giving them a smoother design flow compared to the standard models. The GXP had twin hood scoops, hydraulic power-assisted steering (as opposed to the electric power-assisted standard Torrent), improved interior trim with unique gauges, and a dual chrome-tipped exhaust.

Optional features included navigation, heated sport leather seats, DVD entertainment system, a sunroof and all-wheel drive. GM stated the Equinox Sport was the first vehicle to reflect its more cautious naming standards. Instead of using the Super Sport badge as it had in the past on higher performance vehicles (such as this one), GM opted to reserve the SS nomenclature for special models worthy of its namesake. GM also prominently promoted the GXP in television advertisements by touting its horsepower advantage over the BMW X3, in an effort to brand Pontiac more as a direct, low-cost rival to BMW.

Equinox LTZ

An Equinox LTZ model was added. It is differentiated by its 17-inch chrome-clad aluminum wheels, bright chrome door handles and bright chrome luggage rack side rail inserts. Standard interior features include heated front seats, leather seating inserts, head curtain side impact air bags, AM/FM stereo with six-disc in-dash CD changer and MP3 CD playback capability, and a Pioneer premium seven-speaker audio system. Equinox LTZ came with the same ride and handling package as LS and LT models.

2008 model features

Changes to 2008 Equinox and Torrent models included the relocation of the compass readout from the inside rearview mirror to the driver information center (on models so-equipped), and three new exterior colors: Navy Blue Metallic, Black Granite Metallic, and Golden Teal Metallic.

OnStar was standard on the 2008 Equinox and Torrent. This system included for Turn-by-Turn Navigation, the first factory-installed, fully integrated GPS navigation system from OnStar. The 2008 models included an enhanced ride and handling package with stiffer shocks, bushings, and tuned spring rates. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and tire pressure monitoring system was standard.

An Electronic Trailer Sway Control was introduced that integrated into the standard StabiliTrak system. This can detect the occurrence of trailer sway that may be caused by improper trailer weight balance or excessive vehicle speed. If the trailer begins to sway, StabiliTrak will apply brakes individually, independent of the driver controlling the brake pedal, to assist stabilizing the vehicle. Under these conditions a light will flash to signal the driver to reduce vehicle speed. If trailer sway continues, the system will reduce engine torque to reduce the speed of the vehicle.

Head curtain side air bags were optional.

Olympic-themed Special Editions

For the 2008 model year, in tribute to the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games, the Equinox and Torrent each received a special edition; the Team Canada Edition and the Podium Edition, respectively. This package added chrome-clad wheels, sunroof, premium sound system, and special badging. These trims were sold only in Canada.

Second generation (2010–2017)

The second generation Equinox was announced by GM on December 21, 2008, and debuted at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The 2010 Equinox went on sale in June 2009. It is built on a stiffened version of the same "Theta" platform used in the previous model. The second generation Equinox was built with a pair of upgraded gasoline direct injection engines, with better fuel economy claimed by GM. Earlier 2010 models had the GM badges on the front doors, but were later deleted. Marketing of Chevrolet Equinox resumed in Mexico during late November 2009, for the 2010 model year after a year of absence. Sales of the Chevrolet Equinox to Mexico were stopped after the 2011 model year. However, in October 2015 the Equinox was reintroduced in Mexico to replace the Captiva Sport for the 2016 model year.

The second generation Equinox is available standard with a 2.4-liter straight-4 engine produced in Tonawanda, New York and Spring Hill, Tennessee, with a 3.0-liter V6 engine is available as an option. Both powertrains contain six-speed automatics and optional all-wheel-drive systems, with front-wheel-drive being standard.

The second generation Equinox is Chevrolet's third best-selling vehicle in North America, after the Silverado and Cruze, respectively.

Trim Levels and Standard Equipment

The second-generation 2010-2017 Chevrolet Equinox was available in several different trim levels:

L (2016-2017): The L was the base Chevrolet Equinox trim level between 2016 and 2017. It included the following standard equipment: 2.4L Inline Four-Cylinder (I4) engine, six-speed automatic transmission, A/M-F/M stereo with single-disc CD/MP3 player and auxiliary audio input jack, OnStar with 4G LTE connectivity, Bluetooth (for phone only), touch-screen radio, six-speaker audio system, seventeen-inch alloy wheels, premium cloth seating surfaces, manually-adjustable front bucket seats, keyless entry, driver's information center, MultiFlex sliding rear split-folding bench seat, power windows and door locks, black side mirrors, and exterior color-keyed door handles. NOTE: Only available with Front-Wheel-Drive (FWD).

LS (2010-2017): The LS was the base Chevrolet Equinox trim level between 2010 and 2015, and the second trim level of the Chevrolet Equinox between 2016 and 2017. It included all of the standard equipment listed on the L model above (except for the touch-screen radio and Bluetooth and OnStar 4G LTE connectivity on 2010-2014 models), and also offered All-Wheel-Drive (AWD).

1LT (2010-2017): The 1LT was the "mid-level" Chevrolet Equinox trim level between 2010 and 2017. It added the following equipment to the base L and LS trim levels: Bluetooth (for phone only, 2010-2013 models), Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system (A/M-F/M radio, single-disc CD/MP3 player, USB and auxiliary inputs, smartphone integration, Bluetooth for phone and wireless stereo audio streaming and SiriusXM Satellite Radio) (2013-up models ONLY), power-adjustable front driver's bucket seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Bluetooth (for phone only, 2010-2012 models), and color-keyed heated side view mirrors.

2LT (2010-2015): The 2LT was the "up-level" Chevrolet Equinox trim level between 2010 and 2015, but was discontinued in 2016. It added the following equipment to the "mid-level" 1LT trim level: heated dual front bucket seats, nine-speaker Pioneer premium audio system with subwoofer, remote vehicle starter system, and front fog lamps.

LTZ (2010-2016) and Premier (2017 ONLY): The LTZ was the top-of-the-line Chevrolet Equinox trim level between 2010 and 2016, and was renamed Premier in 2017. It added the following equipment to the "up-level

LTZ trim level: eighteen-inch alloy wheels, leather-trimmed perforated seating surfaces, power rear tailgate, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, a rear-view backup camera system, and chrome side view mirrors.

2013

For the 2013 model year, a new direct-injected 3.6L V-6 became available on LT and LTZ models, providing 301 horsepower (225 kW) and 272 lb.-ft. of torque (369 Nm). This engine offered 14 percent more horsepower and 22 percent more torque than the previous 3.0L V-6, with the same EPA-estimated fuel economy. A new FE2 suspension package was offered, matched with the 3.6L V-6 and packaged with 18-inch or 19-inch chrome-clad wheels on LTZ models. The 2013 model year introduced Chevrolet MyLink telematics system to the Equinox.

Additional new features for 2013 models included a dual-player DVD entertainment system, a Power convenience package, a safety package with lane departure warning system, forward collision warning and rear park assist, as well as three new exterior colors; Champagne Silver Metallic, Atlantis Metallic and Tungsten Metallic.

2014

For the 2014 model year, chrome-clad wheels became standard on LTZ models, and two new exterior colors, Red Rock Metallic and Silver Topaz Metallic became available.

2015

The 2015 model year saw the addition of OnStar with 4G LTE and built-in Wi-Fi hotspot, which included a 3GB/three-month data trial, standard on LT and LTZ models, with navigation available on LTZ and 2LT. Blue Velvet Metallic and Sea Grass Metallic were added as the list of available exterior colors.

2016

For 2016, the Chevrolet Equinox received its first mid-cycle refresh along with its cousin the GMC Terrain, which was unveiled at the 2015 Chicago Auto Show on February 12, 2015. The refreshed Equinox received a new grille, headlights and front fascia as well as reworked tail lights. In the interior, the Equinox gained a new gear selector, a second storage shelf underneath the dashboard, as well as deletion of the door lock buttons from the dashboard. A new level trim, L, was introduced as the base level, as LS was made the second level, followed by LT and LTZ. Both LT1 and LT2 level trims were discontinued.

More features are in LTZ and LS trims, while LT is unchanged from 2015. However, the OnStar delete feature was removed along with the discontinuation of five color palates, the CD/AM/FM/MP3/WMA Playback audio system, the rear seat entertainment system and one set of 19-inch chrome wheels. In its place are the Chevrolet MyLink system that became standard on all trims, four new color palates, and new 17- and 18-inch wheel trims.

EPA fuel economy ratings

Skepticism about the Equinox's EPA fuel economy ratings has been raised after a number of road tests at the model's launch achieved 20 to 30% lower fuel economy than the official EPA ratings. After achieving 18.8 mpg_‑US (12.5 L/100 km; 22.6 mpg_‑imp) in a road test, Edmunds InsideLine stated, "...our testing didn't come close to achieving [the EPA's numbers], even though we're usually within 1 mpg of the EPA combined number. " Car and Driver recorded another 18 mpg_‑US (13 L/100 km; 22 mpg_‑imp) figure and noted its "...fuel economy that won’t live up to the 22 mpg_‑US (11 L/100 km; 26 mpg_‑imp)/32 mpg_‑US (7.4 L/100 km; 38 mpg_‑imp) EPA ratings in real-world use...". Green Car Reports recorded as much as 25.8 mpg_‑US (9.1 L/100 km; 31.0 mpg_‑imp) on a road trip, driving almost exclusively highway miles in "Eco" mode; this is about 20% below the published highway EPA rating. AutoWeek only averaged 23 mpg_‑US (10 L/100 km; 28 mpg_‑imp). The Truth About Cars published an editorial suggesting that GM "inflated" the Equinox's fuel economy ratings for public relations purposes and that the trip computer inaccurately reports fuel economy reported to the driver.

Motorweek, however, managed to achieve 29.3 mpg_‑US (8.0 L/100 km; 35.2 mpg_‑imp) with their test car during mixed driving. LeftlaneNews.com was also able to average 28 mpg_‑US (8.4 L/100 km; 34 mpg_‑imp) average in mixed city and highway driving.

Third generation (2018–present)

Chevrolet unveiled the third-generation Equinox, fittingly, on the Autumnal Equinox on September 22, 2016. The third-generation Equinox will be available with three engine choices, gas engines are from the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu: a 1.5L Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder (I4) engine that produces 170 horsepower (12 less horsepower than the 2.4L Inline Four-Cylinder (I4) engine in the previous-generation Equinox but with more torque), a 2.0L Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder (I4) engine that produces 252 horsepower (48 less horsepower than the 3.6L V6 engine in the previous-generation Equinox but also with more torque), or a 1.6L Turbocharged Diesel Inline Four-Cylinder (I4) engine that produces 136 horsepower (the latter will also be available in future Chevrolet Cruze models as well). The 3.6L V6 engine option did not carry on to the third generation. The 2.0L unit will also be paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Gasoline-powered variants of the 2018 Chevrolet Equinox will go on sale in early 2017, while diesel-powered variants will arrive by summer 2017.

New safety features introduced in the third-generation Equinox include a surround-view camera, forward collision warning, low-speed automatic braking, a Safety Alert Seat that uses vibration pulses to help alert the driver and avoid crashes, as well as a Rear Seat Alert system that alerts drivers who had opened the back door at the start of a trip to check the back seat once they get to their destination, a feature first introduced on the 2017 GMC Acadia.

Trim Levels and Standard Equipment

Chevrolet has released preliminary specifications for the 2018 Equinox. The third-generation Equinox will be available in four distinct trim levels: L, LS, LT, and Premier, all of which, at launch in the United States will only offer a single engine option (1.5L Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder: I4). Each trim level will feature its own list of standard equipment:

L/1SM: 1.5L Turbocharged Inline Four-Cylinder (I4) engine, six-speed automatic transmission, Seventeen-inch all-season tires, seventeen-inch aluminum alloy wheels, Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system (Seven-inch (7.0") color touch-screen display, A/M-F/M radio, Bluetooth with A2DP wireless streaming stereo audio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, USB integration, and OnStar 4G LTE connectivity), rear view backup camera system, six-speaker audio system, power windows and door locks, keyless entry, keyless access system, keyless ignition with push-button start, and premium cloth seating surfaces. There are no available options for this trim, being the "base" Chevrolet Equinox trim. The base trim is available only with Front-Wheel-Drive (FWD).

LS/1LS: Sixteen-inch compact spare tire with steel spare wheel. Available options are limited for this trim, being one of the less-expensive Chevrolet Equinox trims.

LT/1LT: SiriusXM Satellite Radio, power-adjustable front driver's bucket seat, High Intensity Discharge (HID) front head lamps, LED rear tail lamps, and leather-wrapped transmission gear selector. Available options include an eight-inch (8.0") Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system, and advanced driver assistance technologies.

Premier/1LZ: Eighteen-inch all-season tires, Eighteen-inch aluminum alloy wheels Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system (Eight-inch (8.0") color touch-screen display, AM-FM radio, HD Radio, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth with A2DP streaming stereo audio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging capabilities, USB integration, and OnStar 4G LTE connectivity), remote vehicle starter system, leather-trimmed seating surfaces, heated dual front bucket seats, rear park assist system, leather-wrapped steering wheel, front-mounted fog lamps, LED front headlamps and rear tail lamps, and power rear tailgate. Available options include a GPS navigation radio, a Bose premium seven-speaker audio system, and advanced driver assistance technologies.

Holden Equinox

Holden will receive a RHD Equinox for Australia, which will be built in Canada alongside the Chevrolet version and offer the same features, with some customized additions exclusive to Holden. The Holden Equinox will arrive in Australian dealer showrooms in 2018, where it is expected to replace the Captiva in the small SUV segment.

Fuel Cell

The Chevrolet Equinox Fuel cell vehicle uses hydrogen for fuel with water as its only exhaust. The Equinox Fuel Cell uses the fourth-generation hydrogen technology found in the Chevrolet Sequel concept, which was unveiled in September 2009. The fuel cell is designed for only 50,000 miles (80,000 km) of driving, but is engineered to be operable in subfreezing temperatures throughout its life. GM states that the Equinox Fuel Cell is about 500 pounds (230 kg) heavier than the original Equinox and has one inch less ground clearance. To reduce weight, it has aluminum doors and a carbon fiber hood. It uses headlights from the Pontiac Torrent.

A dashboard mounted screen calculates the fuel savings to that of a gasoline-powered Equinox. It also includes a kilowatt meter and a fuel cell energy display. The fuel cell has four vapor outlets that replace the exhaust pipe. Three carbon-fiber fuel tanks store up to a maximum of 9.25 pounds (4.2 kg) of gaseous hydrogen at 10,000 psi (70 MPa), and give the Equinox a range of 200 miles (320 km). The Equinox Fuel Cell is certified by the EPA as a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV). GM built 115 Chevrolet Equinox Fuel Cell vehicles and deployed them in 2007–2008 in several target areas including New York and California as part of a comprehensive plan dubbed "Project Driveway".

The Equinox Fuel Cell includes safety features such as ABS, traction control system, and GM's OnStar telematics service, which offers drivers advice on operating the cars as well as information on nearby hydrogen filling stations. The car meets all 2007 federal safety standards.

Performance

Motor Trend assessed the vehicle's performance as nearly the same as the 3.6 litre gasoline powered equivalent, while bemoaning the dearth of high pressure hydrogen filling stations near Riverside, California in 2008.

Natural gas version

In 2013, Nat G CNG Solutions and AGA Systems announced that they had begun offering a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) version of the Chevy Equinox and the GMC Terrain using the 2.4 L Direct Injection engine. The natural gas version is a "bi-fuel" CNG vehicle, meaning it runs on either gasoline or natural gas, giving it extended range. The Terrain/Equinox were the first direct injection natural gas vehicles ever approved by the US EPA.

Silver Eagle Distributors, a distributor of Anheuser-Busch products, was the launch customer for the natural gas version with an initial order of up to 100 of the natural gas GMC Terrains. CenterPoint Energy was an early customer of the natural gas Chevy Equinox.

CNG configurations

The CNG version was available for newly purchased Equinox through select dealers or as a retrofit on 2013 and 2014 models. Nat G CNG Solutions® offered the vehicle in two options: a two-seater "cargo version" and a five-seat "passenger version." The cargo version has an 837-mile combined gasoline / natural gas (9.2 gge of CNG) while the passenger version has a 775-mile combined highway range (6.8 gge of CNG).

Emissions and performance

The companies claimed that the natural gas version had tested at the EPA lab at 31 mpg highway on natural gas and had achieved a Bin 3 emissions equivalent to the Toyota Prius.

Electric vehicle

Amp Electric Vehicles sells an all-electric conversion of the Chevrolet Equinox. They have sold their first electric Equinox to Dayton Power & Light, and had a five-year, 1,000 SUV order from Northern Lights Energy in Iceland.